Blade clamp for reciprocating saw

ABSTRACT

A blade clamp, for use with a power tool having a reciprocating spindle, includes a cover rotatably coupled to the spindle and a detent received within a bore of the spindle. The detent is movable in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the spindle to adjust the blade clamp between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The cover is rotatable between a first rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the locked configuration, and a second rotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the unlocked configuration. The blade clamp further includes a sleeve in which the detent is slidably received. The sleeve includes a non-corrosive material for inhibiting corrosion of the detent.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/684,836 filed on Jun. 14, 2018, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to blade clamps, and more specifically toblade clamps for securing cutting blades to a reciprocating saw.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cutting tools, such as reciprocating saws, typically include a clamp forsecuring a cutting blade thereto. Such blade clamps may be adjustablebetween a locked configuration, where the blade is secured to a spindle,and an unlocked configuration, where the blade is removable from thespindle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a blade clamp for usewith a power tool having a reciprocating spindle. The blade clampincludes a cover rotatably coupled to the spindle, and a detent receivedwithin a bore of the spindle. The detent is movable in a radialdirection relative to a longitudinal axis of the spindle to adjust theblade clamp between a locked configuration and an unlockedconfiguration. The cover is rotatable between a first rotationalposition relative to the spindle coinciding with the lockedconfiguration, and a second rotational position relative to the spindlecoinciding with the unlocked configuration. The blade clamp furtherincludes a sleeve in which the detent is slidably received. The sleeveincludes a non-corrosive material for inhibiting corrosion of thedetent.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a blade clamp for usewith a power tool having a reciprocating spindle. The blade clampincludes a cover rotatably coupled to the spindle. The cover includes afirst ramped surface and a second ramped surface spaced radially inwardof the first ramped surface. The blade clamp further includes a springcoupling the cover and the spindle, and a detent received within a boreof the spindle. The detent is movable in a radial direction relative toa longitudinal axis of the spindle to adjust the blade clamp between alocked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The spring biasesthe cover toward a first rotational position relative to the spindlecoinciding with the locked configuration. The cover is rotatable againstthe bias of the spring toward a second rotational position relative tothe spindle coinciding with the unlocked configuration. A portion of thedetent is positioned between the first ramped surface and the secondramped surface when the blade clamp is adjusted between the lockedconfiguration and the unlocked position such that the portion of thedetent remains between the first ramped surface and the second rampedsurface throughout an entire range of adjustment of the cover betweenthe first rotational position and the second rotational position.

The present invention provides, in yet another aspect, a reciprocatingsaw including a blade assembly having a spindle and a blade clamp. Theblade clamp is configured to selectively secure a blade to the spindle.The blade clamp includes a cover rotatably coupled to the spindle, and adetent received within a bore of the spindle. The detent is movable in aradial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the spindle toadjust the blade clamp between a locked configuration and an unlockedconfiguration. The cover is rotatable between a first rotationalposition relative to the spindle coinciding with the lockedconfiguration, and a second rotational position relative to the spindlecoinciding with the unlocked configuration. The reciprocating sawfurther includes a barrel surrounding at least a portion of the bladeclamp. The barrel includes a plurality of projections extending from thebarrel toward the blade clamp. At least one of the projections isengageable with the cover to rotate the cover from the second rotationalposition to the first rotational position, thereby adjusting the bladeclamp from the unlocked configuration toward the locked configuration.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent byconsideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a reciprocating saw including a bladeclamp in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the blade clamp of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the blade clamp of FIG. 1 takenalong line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the blade clamp of FIG. 1, with portionsremoved.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an anti-corrosive sleeve of the bladeclamp of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the blade clamp of FIG. 1, takenalong line 6-6 in FIG. 2, in an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of the blade clamp of FIG. 6 in alocked configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a blade clamp in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention for use with a reciprocating saw.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the blade clamp of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the blade clamp of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the blade clamp of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the blade clamp of FIG. 8, withportions removed.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the blade clamp of FIG. 8, withportions removed.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the blade clamp of FIG. 8 in anunlocked configuration.

FIG. 15 is another cross-sectional view of the blade clamp of FIG. 14 ina locked configuration.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a blade clamp in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the invention for use with a reciprocating saw.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the blade clamp of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the blade clamp of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the blade clamp of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the blade clamp of FIG. 16, withportions removed.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the blade clamp of FIG. 16 in anunlocked configuration.

FIG. 22 is another cross-sectional view of the blade clamp of FIG. 22 ina locked configuration.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the blade clamp of FIG. 8 and a barrel of thereciprocating saw with which the blade clamp is used.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the blade clamp of FIG. 8 and anotherembodiment of a barrel engageable with the blade clamp when rotated in afirst direction.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the blade clamp and barrel of FIG. 24,illustrating the barrel engageable with the blade clamp when rotated ina second direction.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 of the attached drawings illustrates a reciprocating saw 12including a blade assembly 10. The blade assembly 10 includes a spindle14 and a blade clamp 18 to which a cutting blade 16 is attachable. Theblade clamp 18 is configured to selectively secure the blade 16 within ablade slot 20 (FIG. 4) in the spindle 14. During operation of thereciprocating saw 12, reciprocating motion is imparted to the spindle 14along a longitudinal axis 22 of the spindle 14 and the connected blade16 for cutting a workpiece. Alternatively, the blade assembly 10 may beused with other reciprocating power tools, such as jigsaws.

With reference to FIG. 4, the blade clamp 18 includes a body 26 axiallyand rotationally fixed to the spindle 14 and a cover assembly 30 (FIG.2) rotatably coupled to the body 26. The cover assembly 30 includes afirst, outer cover member 34 and a second, inner cover member 38 coupledtogether for co-rotation about the longitudinal axis 22. The inner covermember 38 is partially received in a first circumferential groove 42(FIG. 4) of the body 26.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, the body 26 includes a secondcircumferential groove 46 spaced from the first circumferential groove42. The second circumferential groove 46 is configured to receive aretaining clip (e.g., a C-clip, not shown) for axially securing thecover assembly 30 to the body 26 while allowing rotation of the coverassembly 30. The body 26 includes a pocket or opening 50 extendingradially through the body 26. The illustrated opening 50 is positionedbetween the first and second circumferential grooves 42, 46.

With reference to FIG. 3, the outer cover member 34 includes an internalcavity 36 defined by a first, shallow end 52 and a second, deep end 56circumferentially spaced from the shallow end 52. The internal cavity 36is also defined by a ramped surface 62, having a progressivelyincreasing radius from the axis 22, extending between the shallow end 52and the deep end 56. Rotation of the cover assembly 30 rotates theramped surface 62 relative to the spindle 14, as further discussedbelow.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 6-7, the spindle 14 includes a radial bore54. Both the opening 50 and the bore 54 are configured to receive a lockpin or detent 58 such that the detent 58 extends through the body 26 andat least partially through the spindle 14. The detent 58 is configuredto move radially relative to the longitudinal axis 22 within the opening50 and the bore 54. Specifically, the ramped surface 62 of the firstcover member 34 is configured to engage a head 82 of the detent 58 toimpart radial displacement thereto toward the longitudinal axis 22.Furthermore, the detent 58 is further configured to displace radiallythrough an aperture in the blade 16 when the blade 16 is insertedaxially into the blade slot 20 to axially secure the blade 16 to thespindle 14.

With reference to FIGS. 3-7, the blade clamp 18 includes a sleeve 66received within the opening 50 and the bore 54. The sleeve 66 includes acylindrical portion 70, a flange portion 74, and an aperture 68 (FIG. 5)extending through the cylindrical and flange portions 70, 74. The detent58 is received within the aperture 68 (FIG. 3) such that the cylindricalportion 70 surrounds the detent 58 within the bore 54. The sleeve 66 isloosely fitted within the bore 54, such that the sleeve 66 is radiallymovable within the opening 50 and the bore 54.

With reference to FIGS. 5-7, the flange portion 74 of the sleeve 66 ispositioned within the opening 50 of the body 26. The flange portion 74has a generally rounded shape such that the flange portion 74 may bereceived within the opening 50 without interfering with the first andsecond cover members 34, 38. In addition, a top surface 78 (FIG. 5) ofthe flange portion 74 may be adjacent and in contact with the undersideof the head 82 of the detent 58 (FIG. 7) in at least one of theconfigurations of the blade clamp 18.

With reference to FIG. 5, the sleeve 66 is formed of a non-corrosivematerial. For example, the illustrated sleeve 66 is formed of stainlesssteel. Because a substantial portion of the detent 58 is surrounded bythe sleeve 66, the amount of exposed surface area of the detent 58 isreduced, thereby inhibiting corrosion of the blade clamp 18, and thedetent 58 in particular. Particularly, in one manner of operation of thesaw 12 incorporating the blade assembly 10, the sleeve 66 reduces oreliminates contact between the detent 58 and liquid from pipes being cutusing the saw 12.

With reference to FIGS. 6-7, the sleeve 66 is radially displaceablewithin the opening 50 of the body 26. Specifically, the flange portion74 has an outer diameter D that is less than a width W defined betweenthe outer and inner cover members 34, 38 such that the outer and innercover members 34, 38 limit radial outward movement of the sleeve 66.Furthermore, the flange portion 74 abuts against the spindle 14, therebypreventing radial inward movement of the sleeve 66 into the blade slot20. As such, an end 72 of the sleeve 66 opposite the flange portion 74cannot protrude into the blade slot 20. Therefore, the sleeve 66 cannotengage the blade 16 when the blade 16 is axially inserted into the bladeslot 20, and is therefore not load bearing.

With reference to FIG. 4, the opening 50 in the body 26 further includesa service notch 94. The service notch 94 provides access to the flangeportion 74 of the sleeve 66. More particularly, a hand tool (e.g., screwdriver, etc.) may be inserted through the service notch 94 to facilitateremoval of the sleeve 66 for replacement.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 6-7, the blade clamp 18 is adjustablebetween a locked configuration (FIG. 7) and an unlocked configuration(FIG. 6). Specifically, rotation of the cover assembly 30 by a userrotates the ramped surface 62 (FIG. 3) of the outer cover member 34 forengagement/disengagement with the detent 58, thereby imparting radiallyinward displacement to the detent 58 or permitting the detent 58 to bemoved radially outward (i.e., toward/away from the longitudinal axis22).

In operation, the blade clamp 18 is adjustable to the lockedconfiguration (FIG. 7) by rotation of the cover assembly 30 in aclockwise direction (from the frame of reference of FIG. 3). The outercover member 34 rotates about the spindle 14 such that the rampedsurface 62 engages the head 82 of the detent 58. Subsequently, thedetent 58 is displaced radially inward through the blade slot 20, andthe blade 16 in the blade slot 20, thereby completing the transition ofthe blade clamp 18 to the locked configuration.

The blade clamp 18 is adjustable to the unlocked configuration (FIG. 6)by rotation of the of the cover assembly 30 in a counter-clockwisedirection (from the frame of reference of FIG. 3). The outer covermember 34 rotates about the spindle 14 such that the ramped surface 62disengages the head 82 of the detent 58, allowing the detent 58 todisplace radially outward and be removed, at least partially orcompletely, from the blade slot 20 thereby completing the transition ofthe blade clamp 18 to the unlocked configuration. In an alternativeembodiment of the blade clamp 18, a compression spring may be positionedbetween the flange portion 74 of the sleeve 66 and the underside of thedetent head 82 to bias the head 82 against the ramped surface 62. Insuch an embodiment, the spring would rebound during the transition fromthe locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, pushing thedetent 58 out of the blade slot 20. In addition, the head 82 of thedetent 58 disengages the top surface 78 of the sleeve 66 such that thesleeve 66 may move radially outward.

The sleeve 66 surrounds the detent 58, in particular when the bladeclamp 18 is in the locked configuration, such that contact between thedetent 58 and the potential liquid from pipes being cut is inhibited orat least reduced. As such, the sleeve 66 is configured to inhibitcorrosion of the blade clamp 18, and the detent 58 in particular.

FIGS. 8-15 of the attached drawings illustrate another embodiment of ablade assembly 110 for use with a reciprocating saw, with likecomponents and features as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 being labeledwith like reference numerals plus “100”. The blade assembly 110 includesa spindle 114 and a blade clamp 118 to which a cutting blade 116 (FIG.10) is attachable. The blade clamp 118 is configured to selectivelysecure the blade 116 within a blade slot 120 (FIG. 10) in the spindle114.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, the blade clamp 118 includes a body126 axially and rotationally fixed to the spindle 114 and a coverassembly 130 (FIG. 9) rotatably coupled to the body 126. The coverassembly 130 includes a first, outer cover member 134 and a second,inner cover member 138 coupled together for co-rotation about thelongitudinal axis 122. Unlike the embodiment of the blade clamp 18 ofFIGS. 1-7, the blade clamp 118 includes a torsion spring 140 couplingthe spindle 114 and the cover assembly 130, and a compression spring 144and a plunger 148 positioned within the blade slot 120 of the spindle114.

With continued reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, the inner cover member 138is partially received in a first circumferential groove 142 (FIG. 10) ofthe body 126. Additionally, the body 126 includes a secondcircumferential groove 146 spaced from the first circumferential groove142. The second circumferential groove 146 is configured to receive aretaining clip (e.g., a C-clip 149) for axially securing the coverassembly 130 to the body 126 while allowing rotation of the coverassembly 130. The body 126 includes a pocket or opening 150 extendingradially through the body 126. The illustrated opening 150 is positionedbetween the first and second circumferential grooves 142, 146.

With reference to FIG. 11, the outer and inner cover members 134, 138define an internal cavity 136 between a first, shallow end 152 and asecond, deep end 156 circumferentially spaced from the shallow end 152.The internal cavity 136 is also defined between a ramped surface 162 ofthe outer cover member 134, and a ramped surface 164 of the inner covermember 138. In particular, the ramped surfaces 162, 164 have aprogressively increasing radius from the axis 122, extending between theshallow end 152 and the deep end 154. Further, in the illustratedembodiment, the outer cover member 134 includes another ramped surface163 (FIG. 14) spaced radially inward of the ramped surface 162. Rotationof the cover assembly 130 rotates the ramped surfaces 162, 163, 164relative to the spindle 114, as further discussed below.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 14-15, the spindle 114 includes a radialbore 154. The opening 150 of the body 126 and the bore 154 of thespindle 114 are radially aligned such that both the opening 150 and thebore 154 are configured to receive a lock pin or detent 158. As such,the detent 158 extends through the body 126 and at least partiallythrough the spindle 114. The detent 158 is configured to move radiallyrelative to the longitudinal axis 122 within the opening 150 and thebore 154. Specifically, the ramped surfaces 162, 163, 164 of the firstcover member 134, and the second cover member 138, respectively, areconfigured to engage a head 182 of the detent 158 to impart radialdisplacement thereto toward and away from the longitudinal axis 122,depending upon the rotational direction of the cover assembly 130.Furthermore, the detent 158 is further configured to displace radiallythrough an aperture in the blade 116 when the blade 116 is insertedaxially into the blade slot 120 to axially secure the blade 116 to thespindle 114. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, thehead 182 is supported upon the ramped surface 163 of the outer covermember 134 and the ramped surface 164 of the inner cover member 138. Inother embodiments, the head 182 may be supported by only one rampedsurface 163, 164.

With reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 14, and 15, the blade clamp 118 includesa sleeve 166 received within the opening 150 and the bore 154. Thesleeve 166 includes a cylindrical portion 170, a flange portion 174, andan aperture 168 (FIG. 11) extending through the cylindrical and flangeportions 170, 174. The detent 158 is received within the aperture 168(FIG. 11) such that the cylindrical portion 170 surrounds the detent 158within the bore 154.

With particular reference to FIG. 12, the flange portion 174 of thesleeve 166 is positioned within the opening 150 of the body 126. Theflange portion 174 has a generally rounded shape such that the flangeportion 174 may be received within the opening 150 without interferingwith the second cover member 138 and/or the first cover member 134. Assuch, a top surface 178 (FIG. 12) of the flange portion 174 or at leasta portion thereof may be adjacent the underside of the second covermember 138.

With reference to FIG. 10, the sleeve 166 is formed of a non-corrosivematerial. For example, the illustrated sleeve 166 is formed of stainlesssteel. Because a substantial portion of the detent 158 is surrounded bythe sleeve 166, the amount of exposed surface area of the detent 158 isreduced, thereby inhibiting corrosion of the blade clamp 118, and thedetent 158 in particular. Particularly, in one manner of operation ofthe saw 112 incorporating the blade assembly 110, the sleeve 166 reducesor eliminates contact between the detent 158 and liquid from pipes beingcut using the saw 112. To further inhibit corrosion, other elements ofthe blade clamp 118 (i.e., the first cover member 134, the second covermember 138, the body 126, etc.) may be formed by, coated, or plated witha non-corrosive or corrosion resistant material. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, each of the first cover member 134, the secondcover member 138, the body 126, the detent 158, the torsion spring 140,and the compression spring 144 of the blade clamp 118 is nickel plated.In other embodiments, one or more of the elements of the blade clamp 118may be nickel plated. Further, the plunger 148 is also formed ofstainless steel for inhibiting corrosion.

With reference to FIGS. 14-15, the sleeve 166 is radially secured withinthe opening 150 of the body 126. Specifically, the flange portion 174has an outer diameter D1 that is greater than a width W1 defined betweenthe outer and inner cover members 134, 138 such that the outer and innercover members 134, 138 limit radial outward movement of the sleeve 166.Furthermore, the flange portion 174 abuts against the spindle 114,thereby preventing radial inward movement of the sleeve 166 into theblade slot 120. As such, a radial position of the sleeve 166 is fixedrelative to the spindle 114. In the illustrated embodiment, an end 172of the sleeve 166 protrudes slightly into the blade slot 120 in thefixed position. Accordingly, the fixed position of the sleeve 166 issuch that the end 172 of the sleeve 166 may engage the plunger 148 butnot the blade 116 when the blade 116 is axially inserted into the bladeslot 120, as further discussed below. Accordingly, the sleeve 166 isfixed and the detent 158 is configured to move radially relative to thesleeve 166.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the torsion spring 140 includes a first end176 secured to the spindle 114. A second, opposite end 180 is attachedto the second cover member 138. More specifically, the torsion spring140 includes a hook portion 184 at the second end 180 for securing thetorsion spring 140 to the second cover member 138. The hook portion 184is configured to engage a protrusion 186 of the second cover member 138.The engagement between the hook portion 184 and the protrusion 186 maylimit or prevent detachment (i.e., in an axial and/or radial direction)of the second end 180 of the torsion spring 140 from the second covermember 138. The torsion spring 140 biases the cover assembly 130 towarda first rotational position relative to the body 126 and spindle 114coinciding with a locked configuration (FIG. 15) of the blade clamp 118.The cover assembly 130 is rotatable against the bias of the torsionspring 140 toward a second rotational position relative to the body 126and spindle 114 coinciding with an unlocked configuration (FIG. 14) ofthe blade clamp 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the torsion spring140 biases the cover assembly 130 in a clockwise direction (from theframe of reference of FIG. 11) toward the locked configuration.

With reference to FIG. 9, the head 182 of the detent 158 is positionedbetween the outer and inner cover members 134, 138. More specifically,the head 182 is positioned between the inner ramped surface 162 of theouter cover member 134 and the outer ramped surfaces 163, 164 of theouter and inner cover members 134, 138, respectively, when the bladeclamp 118 is in the unlocked positioned, and when the blade clamp 118 isin the locked configuration. In other words, the head 182 remainsbetween the ramped surfaces 162, 163, 164 throughout the entire range ofadjustment of the cover assembly 130 between the first rotationalposition and the second rotational position. The ramped surface 162 isconfigured to engage a top side of the head 182 to impart radiallyinward displacement to the detent 158 when the blade clamp 118 isadjusted from the unlocked position toward the locked position. Theramped surfaces 163, 164 is configured to engage a bottom side of thehead 182 to impart radially outward displacement to the detent 158 whenthe blade clamp is adjusted from the locked configuration to theunlocked configuration. As such, the ramped surfaces 162, 163, 164 mayfacilitate radial movement of the detent 158 when the blade clamp 118 isadjusted between both the locked and unlocked configurations. As aresult, the detent 158 is prevented from jamming in either of the lockedor unlocked configurations because the head 182 of the detent 158 isalways located radially outward of the ramped surfaces 163, 164. Inother embodiments, the outer cover member 134 does not include theramped surface 163 such that only the ramped surface 164 of the innercover member 138 facilitates the radial outward movement of the detent158 when the blade clamp is adjusted from the locked configuration tothe unlocked configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 14-15, the compression spring 144 includesopposite first and second ends 188, 190. The first end 188 is seatedagainst an internal end 192 of the spindle 114 that at least partiallydefines the blade slot 120. The second end 190 is seated against an endof the plunger 148, which is positioned within the blade slot 120. Thecompression spring 144 biases the plunger 148 along the longitudinalaxis 122 toward the end 172 of the sleeve 166 (i.e., to the left fromthe frame of reference of FIG. 14). As such, the plunger 148 is axiallydisplaceable within the blade slot 120 in opposite directions along thelongitudinal axis 122.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the plunger 148 includes a first portion 193and a second portion 195 (FIG. 10) having a larger outer diameter thanthe first portion 193. The first portion 193 is sized such that thefirst portion 193 may be positioned radially below and engaged with adistal end 196 of the detent 158 opposite the head 182. The secondportion 195 is sized such that a shoulder of the second portion 195 mayengage the end 172 of the sleeve 166 in the unlocked configuration ofthe blade clamp 118. More specifically, the end 172 limits the axialmovement of the plunger 148 along the longitudinal axis 122, such thatthe first portion 193 cannot extend beyond the detent 158. Furthermore,the blade 116 is configured to contact the first portion 193 of theplunger 148 for moving the plunger 148 along the longitudinal axis 122,away from the detent 158 and the end 172 of the sleeve 166 (i.e., to theright from the frame of reference of FIG. 14). More specifically, theplunger 148 is axially moved against the bias of the compression spring144 away from the detent 158 (i.e., the distal end 196) and the sleeve166 within the blade slot 120 by the blade 116 when the blade 116 isaxially inserted into the blade slot 120.

With reference to FIG. 12, the opening 150 in the body 126 furtherincludes a service notch 194. The service notch 194 provides access tothe flange portion 174 of the sleeve 166. More particularly, a hand tool(e.g., screw driver, etc.) may be inserted through the service notch 194to facilitate removal of the sleeve 166 for replacement.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 14-15, the blade clamp 118 is adjustablebetween the locked configuration (FIG. 15) and the unlockedconfiguration (FIG. 14). Specifically, insertion of the blade 116 intothe blade slot 120 and rotation of the cover assembly 130 by the torsionspring 140 rotates the ramped surface 162 (FIG. 11) of the outer covermember 134 for engagement with the detent 158, thereby impartingradially inward displacement to the detent 158. Rotation of the coverassembly 130 by a user permits the detent 158 to be moved radiallyoutward (i.e., toward/away from the longitudinal axis 122).

In operation, when the blade clamp 118 is in the unlocked configuration,the plunger 148 is biased by the compression spring 140 such that firstportion 193 of the plunger 148 engages the distal end 196 of the detent158 within the blade slot 120. In particular, the cover assembly 130 isin the second rotational position such that the head 182 is positionedwithin the deep end 156 of the internal cavity 136, and the detent 158is displaced radially outward (away from the longitudinal axis 122) bythe engagement with the plunger 148. The cover assembly 130 isrotationally constrained in the second rotational position against thebias of the torsion spring 140 by the head 182 of the detent 158positioned in the deep end 156. As such, the engagement between theplunger 148 and the detent 158 maintains the blade clamp 118 in theunlocked configuration.

During insertion of the blade 116 into the blade slot 120, the blade 116displaces the plunger 148 rearward (i.e., to the right from the frame ofreference of FIGS. 14-15) along the longitudinal axis 122 against thebias of the compression spring 144. After the plunger 148 disengages thedetent 158, the torsion spring 140 rebounds to rotate the cover assembly130 (e.g., clockwise from the frame of reference of FIG. 11) about thebody 126 and spindle 114 from the second rotational position to thefirst rotational position. In particular, the biasing force of thetorsion spring 140 rotates the cover assembly 130 such that the rampedsurfaces 162, 163, 164 move relative to the head 182 of the detent 158,thereby repositioning the head 182 from the deep end 156 of the internalcavity 136 into the shallow end 152. Simultaneously, the detent 158 isdisplaced radially inward through the blade slot 120, and the blade 116in the blade slot 120, thereby completing the transition of the bladeclamp 118 to the locked configuration. As such, insertion of the blade116 by a user automatically adjusts the blade clamp 118 from theunlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

The blade clamp 118 is adjustable to the unlocked configuration (FIG.14) by rotation of the of the cover assembly 130 by a user in acounter-clockwise direction (from the frame of reference of FIG. 11).The outer cover member 134 is rotated about the body 126 and spindle 114against the bias of the torsion spring 140 from the first rotationalposition to the second rotational position such that the ramped surfaces162, 163, 164 moves relative to the head 182 of the detent 158. Inparticular, the movement of the cover assembly 130 causes the rampedsurfaces 163, 164 to impart radially outward displacement of the detent158, thereby adjusting the position of the head 182 from the shallow end152 of the internal cavity 136 into the deep end 156. After the distalend of the detent 158 is partially removed from the blade slot 120, thecompression spring 14 rebounds, thereby axially displacing the plunger148 along the longitudinal axis 122 to partially eject the saw blade 116from the blade slot 120, completing the transition of the blade clamp118 to the unlocked configuration. The first portion 193 of the plunger148, by the force of the compression spring 144, remains in contact withthe distal end 196 of the detent 158 for again maintaining the bladeclamp 118 in the unlocked configuration until the blade 116 is insertedinto the blade slot 120. Because the blade clamp 118 is normallymaintained in the unlocked configuration when a blade 116 is notattached, the blade clamp 118 may allow insertion of the blade 116 bythe user only using one hand.

The sleeve 166 surrounds the detent 158, in particular when the bladeclamp 118 is in the locked configuration, such that exposure of thedetent 158 to liquid sprayed onto the blade clamp 118 is inhibited or atleast reduced. As such, the sleeve 166 is configured to inhibitcorrosion of the blade clamp 118, and the detent 158 in particular.

FIGS. 16-22 of the attached drawings illustrate another embodiment of ablade assembly 210 for use with a reciprocating saw, with likecomponents and features as the blade assembly 110 shown in FIGS. 8-15being labeled with like reference numerals plus “100”. The bladeassembly 210 includes a spindle 214 and a blade clamp 218 to which acutting blade 216 (FIG. 18) is attachable. The blade clamp 218 isconfigured to selectively secure the blade 216 within a blade slot 220(FIG. 18) in the spindle 214.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 20, the blade clamp 218 includes a body226 axially and rotationally fixed to the spindle 214 and a coverassembly 230 (FIG. 17) rotatably coupled to the body 226. The coverassembly 230 includes a first, outer cover member 234 and a second,inner cover member 238 coupled together for co-rotation about thelongitudinal axis 222. The blade clamp 218 includes a torsion spring 240coupling the spindle 214 and the cover assembly 230, and a compressionspring 244 and a plunger 248 positioned within the blade slot 220 of thespindle 214.

With continued reference to FIGS. 18 and 20, the inner cover member 238is partially received in a first circumferential groove 242 (FIG. 18) ofthe body 226. Additionally, the body 226 includes a secondcircumferential groove 246 spaced from the first circumferential groove242. The second circumferential groove 246 is configured to receive aretaining clip (e.g., a C-clip 249) for axially securing the coverassembly 230 to the body 226 while allowing rotation of the coverassembly 230. The body 226 includes a pocket or opening 250 extendingradially through the body 226. The illustrated opening 250 is positionedbetween the first and second circumferential grooves 242, 246.

With reference to FIG. 19, the outer cover member 234 includes aninternal cavity 236 defined by a first, shallow end 252 and a second,deep end 256 circumferentially spaced from the shallow end 252. Theinternal cavity 236 is also defined by a ramped surface 262 of the outercover member 234 having a progressively increasing radius from the axis222 and extending between the shallow end 252 and the deep end 256.Further, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the inner cover member 238 includesa ramped surface 265 extending partially from the deep end 256 towardthe shallow end 252. Rotation of the cover assembly 320 rotates theramped surface 262 and the ramped surface 265 relative to the spindle214, as further discussed below.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 21-22, the spindle 214 includes a radialbore 254. The opening 250 of the body 226 and the bore 254 of thespindle 214 are radially aligned such that both the opening 250 and thebore 254 are configured to receive a lock pin or detent 258. As such,the detent 258 extends through the body 226 and at least partiallythrough the spindle 214. The detent 258 is configured to move radiallyrelative to the longitudinal axis 222 within the opening 250 and thebore 254. Specifically, the ramped surface 262 of the first cover member234 and the ramped surface 265 of the second cover member 238 isconfigured to engage a head 282 of the detent 258 to impart radialdisplacement thereto toward and away from the longitudinal axis 222,depending upon the rotational direction of the cover assembly.Furthermore, the detent 258 is further configured to displace radiallythrough an aperture in the blade 216 when the blade 216 is insertedaxially into the blade slot 220 to axially secure the blade 216 to thespindle 214.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the torsion spring 240 includes a first end276 secured to the spindle 214. A second, opposite end 280 (FIG. 21) isattached to the second cover member 238. The blade clamp 218 furtherincludes a spring cover 285 secured to the spindle 214 (FIG. 17). Thespring cover 285 may limit or prevent detachment (i.e., in an axialand/or radial direction) of the second end 280 of the torsion spring 240from the spindle 214 and the second cover member 238. And, the springcover 285 encloses the torsion spring 240 to inhibit liquid or otherdebris from contacting the torsion spring 240, thereby inhibitingcorrosion of the torsion spring 240. The torsion spring 240 biases thecover assembly 230 toward a first rotational position relative to thebody 226 and spindle 214 coinciding with a locked configuration (FIG.22) of the blade clamp 218. The cover assembly 230 is rotatable againstthe bias of the torsion spring 240 toward a second rotational positionrelative to the body 226/spindle 214 coinciding with an unlockedconfiguration (FIG. 21) of the blade clamp 218. In the illustratedembodiment, the torsion spring 240 biases the cover assembly 230 in aclockwise direction (from the frame of reference of FIG. 19).

With reference to FIG. 20, the head 282 of the detent 258 is positionedbetween the body 226 and the outer cover member 234 when the blade clamp218 is in the locked configuration (i.e., when the cover assembly 230 isin the first rotational position). More specifically, in the lockedconfiguration of the blade clamp 218, the head 282 is positioneddirectly adjacent an outer surface of the body 226 and the rampedsurface 265 is circumferentially spaced from the detent head 282 (andthus not yet engaged with the detent head 282). The ramped surface 262is configured to engage a top side of the head 282 to impart radiallyinward displacement to the detent 258 when the blade clamp 218 isadjusted from the unlocked position toward the locked position. Unlikethe embodiment of the blade clamp 118 of FIGS. 8-15, the ramped surface265 is configured to engage a bottom side of the head 282 at apredetermined circumferential position of the cover assembly 230 betweenthe first and second rotational positions of the cover assembly 230coinciding with the locked and unlocked configurations of the bladeclamp 218, respectively. When the blade clamp 21 is adjusted from thelocked configuration toward the unlocked configuration, the detent 258is displaced radially outward only after the ramped surface 265 engagesthe detent head 282, creating a gap between the detent head 282 and theouter peripheral surface of the body 226. As such, the ramped surfaces262, 265 may facilitate radial movement of the detent 258 when the bladeclamp 218 is adjusted between both the locked and unlockedconfigurations.

With reference to FIGS. 21-22, the compression spring 244 includesopposite first and second ends 288, 290. The first end 288 is seatedagainst an internal end 292 of the spindle 214 that at least partiallydefines the blade slot 220. The second end 290 is seated against an endof the plunger 248, which is positioned within the blade slot 220. Thecompression spring 244 biases the plunger 248 along the longitudinalaxis 222 toward an end portion of the detent 258 (i.e., to the left fromthe frame of reference of FIG. 21). As such, the plunger 248 is axiallydisplaceable within the blade slot 220 in opposite directions along thelongitudinal axis 222.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the plunger 248 includes a first portion 293and a second portion 295 (FIG. 18) having a larger outer diameter thanthe first portion 293. The first portion 293 is sized such that thefirst portion 293 may be positioned radially below and engaged with adistal end 296 of the detent 258 opposite the head 282. The secondportion 295 is sized such that a shoulder of the second portion 295 mayengage the distal end 296 of the detent 258 in the unlockedconfiguration of the blade clamp 218. More specifically, the distal end296 of the detent 258 limits the axial movement of the plunger 248 alongthe longitudinal axis 222, such that the first portion 293 cannot extendbeyond the detent 258. Furthermore, the blade 216 is configured tocontact the first portion 293 of the plunger 248 for moving the plunger248 along the longitudinal axis 222, away from the detent 258 (i.e., tothe right from the frame of reference of FIG. 21). More specifically,the plunger 248 is axially moved against the bias of the compressionspring 244 away from the detent 258 (i.e., the distal end 296) withinthe blade slot 220 by the blade 216 when the blade 216 is axiallyinserted into the blade slot 220.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 21-22, the blade clamp 218 is adjustablebetween the locked configuration (FIG. 22) and the unlockedconfiguration (FIG. 21). Specifically, insertion of the blade 216 intothe blade slot 220 and rotation of the cover assembly 230 by the torsionspring 240 rotates the ramped surface 262 (FIG. 19) of the outer covermember 234 for engagement with the detent 258, thereby impartingradially inward displacement to the detent 258. Rotation of the coverassembly 230 by a user permits the detent 258 to be moved radiallyoutward (i.e., toward/away from the longitudinal axis 222).

In operation, when the blade clamp 218 is in the unlocked configuration,the plunger 248 is biased by the compression spring 240 such that firstportion 293 of the plunger 248 engages the distal end 296 of the detent258 within the blade slot 220. In particular, the cover assembly 230 isin the second rotational position such that the head 282 is positionedwithin the deep end 256 of the internal cavity 236, and the detent 258is displaced radially outward (away from the longitudinal axis 222) bythe engagement with the plunger 248. The cover assembly 230 isrotationally constrained in the second rotational position against thebias of the torsion spring 240 by the head 282 of the detent 258positioned in the deep end 256. As such, the engagement between theplunger 248 and the detent 258 maintains the blade clamp 218 in theunlocked position.

During insertion of the blade 216 into the blade slot 220, the blade 216displaces the plunger 248 rearward (i.e., to the right from the frame ofreference of FIGS. 21-22) along the longitudinal axis 222 against thebias of the compression spring 244. After the plunger 248 disengages thedistal end 296 of the detent 258, the torsion spring 240 rebounds torotate the cover assembly 230 (e.g., clockwise from the frame ofreference of FIG. 19) about the body 226 and spindle 214 from the secondrotational position to the first rotational position. In particular, thebiasing force of the torsion spring 240 rotates the cover assembly 230such that the ramped surface 262 moves relative to the head 282 of thedetent 258, thereby repositioning the head 282 from the deep end 256 ofthe internal cavity 236 into the shallow end 252. Simultaneously, thedetent 258 is displaced radially inward through the blade slot 220, andthe blade 216 in the blade slot 220, thereby completing the transitionof the blade clamp 218 to the locked configuration. As such, insertionof the blade 216 by a user automatically adjusts the blade clamp 218from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

The blade clamp 218 is adjustable to the unlocked configuration (FIG.21) by rotation of the of the cover assembly 230 by a user in acounter-clockwise direction (from the frame of reference of FIG. 19).The outer cover member 234 is rotated about the body 226 and spindle 214against the bias of the torsion spring 240 from the first rotationalposition to the second rotational position such that the ramped surfaces262, 265 moves relative to the head 282 of the detent 258. Inparticular, the movement of the cover assembly 230 causes the rampedsurface 265 to engage the head 282 of the detent 258 at thepredetermined circumferential position, thereby adjusting the positionof the head 282 from the shallow end 252 of the internal cavity 236 intothe deep end 256. After the distal end 296 of the detent 258 ispartially removed from the blade slot 220 in the radial direction, thecompression spring 244 rebounds, thereby axially displacing the plunger248 along the longitudinal axis 222 to partially eject the saw blade 216from the blade slot 120, completing the transition of the blade clamp218 to the unlocked configuration. The first portion 293 of the plunger248, by the force of the compression spring 244, remains in contact withthe distal end 296 of the detent 258 for again maintaining the bladeclamp 218 in the unlocked configuration until the blade 216 is insertedinto the blade slot 220. Because the blade clamp 218 is normallymaintained in the unlocked configuration when a blade 216 is notattached, the blade clamp 218 may allow insertion of the blade 216 bythe user only using one hand.

The blade clamp 218 of FIGS. 16-22 does not include a corrosionresistant sleeve as in the first and second embodiments of the bladeclamp 18, 118, respectively. Alternatively, the spindle 214 is coated orplated with non-corrosive or corrosion resistant material. Further,other components of the blade clamp 218 (i.e., the first cover member234, the second cover member 238, the body 226, etc.) may be formed by,coated, or plated with a corrosion resistant material. For example, inthe illustrated embodiment, each of the first cover member 234, thesecond cover member 238, the body 226, the detent 258, the torsionspring 240, and the compression spring 244 of the blade clamp 218 isnickel plated. Further, the plunger 248 is formed of stainless steel forinhibiting corrosion.

With reference to FIG. 23, the saw 12, 112 may include a barrel 324 thatsurrounds at least a portion of the blade clamp 18, 118, 218. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the barrel 324 surrounds thecover assembly 130 of the blade clamp 118 of the second embodiment(FIGS. 8-15). The barrel 324 further includes a plurality of projections328A, 328B extending from an inner surface of the barrel 324. Inparticular, the projections 328A, 328B extend toward the first covermember 134 of the cover assembly 130. The projections 328A, 328B mayselectively engage the first cover member 134 for facilitatingadjustment of the blade clamp 118 from the locked position toward theunlocked position. Specifically, the projections 328A, 328B engage tabsor arm members 332 of the outer cover member 134 when the barrel 324 isrotated (counter-clockwise from the frame of reference of FIG. 23),thereby rotating the cover assembly 130 to release the blade. Further,the projections 328A, 328B are positioned at predeterminedcircumferential locations on the barrel 324 such that projections 328A,328B do not contact (i.e., rub against) the first cover member 134during operation of the saw 12, 112, unless the blade clamp 118 is beingadjusted toward the unlocked configuration.

With reference to FIGS. 23-25, the barrel 324 of FIG. 23 includes twoprojections 328A, 328B. In other embodiments, the barrel 324 may includeone or more projections 328A-328C. For example, as shown in FIGS. 24-25,a barrel 324′ of the saw 12, 112 includes three projections 328A′-328C′.

With reference to FIGS. 24-25, the projections 328A′-328C′ mayselectively engage the first cover member 134, 234 for facilitatingadjustment of the blade clamp 118, 218 between both the unlockedconfiguration and the locked configuration. The projections 328A′, 328B′of the barrel 324′ engage the arm members 332 of the outer cover member34, 134, 234 when the barrel 324′ is rotated in a first direction, andthe projection 328C′ engages one of the arm members 332 when the barrel342′ is rotated in a second direction that is opposite the firstdirection. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, when adjusting the bladeclamp 118 to the unlocked configuration, the barrel 324′ is rotated inthe counter-clockwise direction (from the frame of reference of FIG.24), thereby causing the projections 328A′, 328B′ to engage the armmembers 332. The engagement causes the cover assembly 130 to rotate,thereby releasing the saw blade 116.

If accumulated debris within the blade clamp 18, 118, 218 and/orcorrosion inhibit the torsion spring 140, 240 from rebounding to rotatethe cover assembly 30, 130, 230 toward the first position (coincidingwith the locked configuration of the blade clamp 18, 118, 218), thebarrel 324′ is rotatable in an opposite, clockwise direction (from theframe of reference of FIG. 25), thereby causing the projection 328C′ toengage one of the arm members 332. The engagement causes the coverassembly 130 to rotate, assisting the torsion spring 140, 240 to returnthe cover assembly 130 to the first position (coinciding with the lockedconfiguration of the blade clamp 18, 118, 218). When it is desired torelease the saw blade 116, the barrel 324′ is rotatable in the directionshown in FIG. 24, engaging the opposed arm members 332 with theprojections 328A′, 328B′, causing the cover assembly 130 to rotate fromthe first position toward the second position (coinciding with theunlocked configuration of the blade clamp 18, 118, 218). Although theconfiguration of the barrel 324′ and the projections 328A′-328C′ haveonly been shown with respect to the second embodiment of FIGS. 8-15, theconfiguration of the barrel 324′ and the projections 328A′-328C′ mayalso be applied to the blade clamp 18 shown in FIGS. 1-7 and the bladeclamp shown in FIGS. 16-22.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

1. A blade clamp for use with a power tool having a reciprocatingspindle, the blade clamp comprising: a cover rotatably coupled to thespindle; a detent received within a bore of the spindle, the detentmovable in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of thespindle to adjust the blade clamp between a locked configuration and anunlocked configuration, wherein the cover is rotatable between a firstrotational position relative to the spindle coinciding with the lockedconfiguration, and a second rotational position relative to the spindlecoinciding with the unlocked configuration; and a sleeve in which thedetent is slidably received, wherein the sleeve includes a non-corrosivematerial for inhibiting corrosion of the detent.
 2. The blade clamp ofclaim 1, wherein the sleeve includes an aperture extending therethrough,and wherein the detent is received within the aperture such that aportion of the sleeve surrounds the detent within the bore.
 3. The bladeclamp of claim 1, wherein the sleeve is formed of stainless steel. 4.The blade clamp of claim 1, wherein at least the detent and the cover isnickel plated.
 5. The blade clamp of claim 1, wherein the detent isradially displaceable relative to a longitudinal axis of the spindle byengagement with the cover when the cover is rotated between the firstrotational position and the second rotational position.
 6. The bladeclamp of claim 1, wherein the cover includes a first ramped surface anda second ramped surface spaced radially inward of the first rampedsurface, and wherein a portion of the detent is positioned between thefirst ramped surface and the second ramped surface when the blade clampis adjusted between the locked configuration and the unlocked positionsuch that the portion of the detent remains between the first rampedsurface and the second ramped surface throughout an entire range ofadjustment of the cover between the first rotational position and thesecond rotational position.
 7. The blade clamp of claim 6, wherein thecover includes a first cover member and a second cover member coupledfor co-rotation with the first cover member, and wherein the firstramped surface and the second ramped surface are defined on the firstcover member.
 8. The blade clamp of claim 6, wherein the cover includesa first cover member and a second cover member coupled for co-rotationwith the first cover member, wherein the first ramped surface is definedon the first cover member, and wherein the second ramped surface isdefined on the second cover member.
 9. The blade clamp of claim 8,wherein the first cover member includes a third ramped surface disposedradially inward of the first ramped surface and spaced from the secondramped surface along the longitudinal axis, and wherein a head of thedetent is supported upon the second ramped surface and the third rampedsurface, with the first ramped surface located radially outward of thehead of the detent.
 10. The blade clamp of claim 6, wherein the detentis displaced radially inward relative to the longitudinal axis by thefirst ramped surface to engage a blade when the blade clamp is adjustedfrom the unlocked configuration toward the locked configuration.
 11. Theblade clamp of claim 6, wherein the detent is displaced radially outwardrelative to the longitudinal axis by the second ramped surface when theblade clamp is adjusted from the locked configuration toward theunlocked configuration.
 12. The blade clamp of claim 1, furthercomprising a first spring biasing the cover toward the first rotationalposition.
 13. The blade clamp of claim 12, further comprising a plungerand a second spring positioned within a blade slot of the spindle,wherein the second spring biases the plunger toward the detent in atleast the unlocked configuration for maintaining the blade clamp in theunlocked configuration against the bias of the first spring, and whereinthe plunger is displaceable by a blade received within the blade slotagainst the bias of the second spring.
 14. The blade clamp of claim 13,wherein the rotation of the cover is inhibited by engagement between theplunger and the detent, and wherein, in response to insertion of theblade into the blade slot, the plunger disengages the detent, permittingthe first spring to rebound and rotate the cover from the secondrotational position to the first rotational position, therebyautomatically adjusting the blade clamp from the unlocked configurationto the locked configuration.
 15. The blade clamp of claim 13, wherein atleast the first spring and the second spring is nickel plated.
 16. Theblade clamp of claim 13, wherein the plunger includes a first portionand a second portion having a larger outer diameter than the firstportion, the second portion sized such that a shoulder of the secondportion engages an end of the sleeve in the unlocked configuration ofthe blade clamp, and wherein the end of the sleeve is configured tolimit axial movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis withinthe blade slot.
 17. The blade clamp of claim 1, wherein the spindledefines a bore, wherein the sleeve includes a cylindrical portion and aflange portion, the cylindrical portion received within the bore,wherein the sleeve is loosely fitted within the bore to allow radialmovement of the sleeve relative to the spindle, and wherein thecylindrical portion is sized to move radially within the bore, while theflange portion is sized to limit the radial movement of the sleevebetween the cover and the spindle.
 18. The blade clamp of claim 1,wherein the spindle defines a bore, wherein the sleeve includes acylindrical portion and a flange portion, the cylindrical portionreceived within the bore, wherein the flange portion is positionedbetween the cover and the spindle, and wherein the flange portion issized to inhibit radial movement of the sleeve relative to the spindlesuch that the sleeve is radially secured within the bore. 19-51.(canceled)